Machinist tools selling - best way?

[machinist tool sale]

Trying to sell my Grandfathers tools. Best place to sell? Are there any companies who buy and resell? Attached are examples.

Also have entire woodworking shop to sell off…

Located in Ontario Canada.

 

[machinist tool sale]

More photos

 

[cvairwerks]

Fleabay in individual listings for the calipers, squares, indicators and similar stuff. Inserts by grouping part numbers, and drill bits and mill cutters in bulk lots.

 

[Cluster]

Been in machining 45 years, things have changed over the years. It was once expected that all machinist have their own set of precision measuring instruments, required to verify dimensional accuracy and maintain the various calibration standards as a job requirement. Nowadays, most 'quality control' requirements dictate that dimensional measuring devices are maintained, calibrated, 'standardized' and controlled by a defined QC Department: All inspection to be done with the 'master' instruments. Most shops don't even allow employees to have their own set of micrometers, calipers and gauges..etc.
What this has done is really decrease the resale value of these measuring instruments. Pawn shops won't even show an interest.
I've got two full roll-away stacks full of expensive tools that have brought very little interest in their worth: Basically became expendable.

Now cutting tools (drills, taps, end mills, inserts etc) may bring value if they're carbide or carbide tipped. HSS (high speed steel) cutting tools are not of much value, especially if dull.
The real value you have there, is that they are your Grandfather's tools; even possibly one's Great Grandfather's tools.

 

[JSGAuto]

Unfortunately, I don't see any financial value there. Most of that was antiques 30 years ago.

The box is the only thing worth a little cash.

Use them. You'll get more joy out of them!

 

[cannuck]

some of the tools should match up with a machine tool. Selling those WITH the tool will increase value of the machine, but to sell this stuff off individually would be a massive amount of work and minimal amount of money. Might be best to find someone with a home shop and make an "all or nothing" deal if you really want to get rid of it.

 

[rktinc]

The Kennedy boxes bring good money. I have found that used machinist tools just don't bring much money anymore. I bought my Kennedy stack from a ret machinist was selling his tools on ebay individually. Easy to pack and ship and seemed to grab a larger audience. It takes time but probably the best way to go.

I have collected several Kennedy boxes over the years. A good one sells fast. vacuum it and wipe it down with WD40. It will look like new and sell better.

 

[Davefr]

Unfortunately, I don't see any financial value there. Most of that was antiques 30 years ago.

The box is the only thing worth a little cash.

Use them. You'll get more joy out of them!

I agree. Most machinist tools like that (including Starrett) only bring pennies of the dollar. Don't waste much time. Save what you want and donate the rest.

 

[Boilerhouse]

A couple suggestions;
(1) -Join and post at-

Canadian Hobby Metal Workers & Machinists

All metal work, machining or otherwise are welcome. All walks of life, all skill levels.

canadianhobbymetalworkers.com

they are Canadian based and can give a better idea of local markets. Some members may be close to you and could be interested in some items.
(2) Cardon Tools in Perth (near Ottawa) buy and resell exactly these types of tools - i.e. older American or Canadian machinist tools. You could give them a call.

 

[ItsNemo]

A couple suggestions;
(1) -Join and post at-

Canadian Hobby Metal Workers & Machinists

All metal work, machining or otherwise are welcome. All walks of life, all skill levels.

canadianhobbymetalworkers.com

they are Canadian based and can give a better idea of local markets. Some members may be close to you and could be interested in some items.
(2) Cardon Tools in Perth (near Ottawa) buy and resell exactly these types of tools - i.e. older American or Canadian machinist tools. You could give them a call.

This is a good suggestion.

That said, Facebook Marketplace, do a lot price of a reasonable amount for all of it (probably a few hundred bucks) and someone will pick it up. As said above, pennies on the dollar for all of it. Old measurement tools (calipers, indicators, etc.) aren't worth much because calibration/condition can't be easily verified. Old cutting tools (drills, endmills, inserts) aren't worth much because they could all be worn out/not sharp.

I've picked up lots like this before, weeded through for the few pieces I wanted, then flipped again at usually the same amount I paid. I'd probably pay no more than $200 for what I see there.

 

[RTM]

To follow on the hard to sell theme, here is a leatherette Gerstner full of tools I picked up a few years back.




More pix here for details of what was inside

The drawer that caught my interest

Welcome to My SmugMug site. I'll always be adding to it, as people around me continue to participate in things of interest. I live in the SF Bay area, and spend lots of time photographing the sports my kids are participating in. These images are my attempts to document what they're doing...

kirkhmb.smugmug.com

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

This wasn't what I wanted to hear. I bought a top and bottom Kennedy box full of machinist tools similar to the OP. I was hoping that they would be worth more. But I am getting some use out of some things, like the letter drill bits. Maybe one day I'll buy a mill or lathe and get more use. Rough guess I got $3,000 worth of stuff when bought new. I paid $100.

 

[AEAdam]

Agree with all said above, but just a little devil's advocate pot stirring:

In the FB ad above, I spot what could be a pair of Vee blocks. If matching, cleaned up, they could be worth almost the entire price of that one drawer. There's an older surface gauge with some sort of indicator. That won't bring much, but would probably sell for $20. I spot a snug and indicator lug back? Alone not valuable, as a sweetener, maybe. A clever, resourceful, retired person could turn a profit on that drawer alone with a little elbow grease.

For the OP, a drawer full of tarnished calipers does you no favors. Ditto, a box of worn end mills isn't worth much. The end mills still in their tubes might be worth something, especially if carbide. Worth looking. Some could be several dollars each or more.

The indicators could be valuable if they are in good shape (questionable). I spot a Starrett last word indicator, which are kinda collectible. One or two things could make a difference to a bidder.

Usual advice applies - to get top dollar you need to know what you have, describe it correctly, take good pictures , list it with no reserve and a low starting bid. That's usually the best price you will get. Any offer for everything will usually reflect the most convenience for you and the lowest possible price. People pay less than the price of scrap for old tools like these. Its a shame because some of them have a lot of life left, were carefully made, and could last another lifetime.

 

[pelletman]

The Kennedy boxes bring good money. I have found that used machinist tools just don't bring much money anymore. I bought my Kennedy stack from a ret machinist was selling his tools on ebay individually. Easy to pack and ship and seemed to grab a larger audience. It takes time but probably the best way to go.

I have collected several Kennedy boxes over the years. A good one sells fast. vacuum it and wipe it down with WD40. It will look like new and sell better.

That Kennedy box would be $75 bucks if you are lucky around here. It would be lots of work for little reward to sell individually.

 

[RTM]

In the FB ad above, I spot what could be a pair of Vee blocks. If matching, cleaned up, they could be worth almost the entire price of that one drawer. There's an older surface gauge with some sort of indicator. That won't bring much, but would probably sell for $20. I spot a snug and indicator lug back? Alone not valuable, as a sweetener, maybe. A clever, resourceful, retired person could turn a profit on that drawer alone with a little elbow grease.

Sell? What the heck does that mean?

I bought those to use. My level of woodworking certainly does not require a matched pair of clean v blocks, but they are easier to use for drilling than a notched piece of 2x4.

And the misc goodies with the surface gauge sorta fit together with other goodies I've got. You may not want to build a race car engine with them, but for woodworking, they fit closer enough for my skill level.

They do occasionally get pushed into more precise work like finding a bent shaft, but finding and fixing are two different skill sets, one of which I don't have.

 

[NORTON'S SHOP]

That Kennedy box would be $75 bucks if you are lucky around here. It would be lots of work for little reward to sell individually.

I bought the same Kennedy box at a swap meet a couple years ago for $50 and it looked like it was never used. I wouldn't give $25 for the box the OP has.

 

[AEAdam]

Sell? What the heck does that mean?

I bought those to use. My level of woodworking certainly does not require a matched pair of clean v blocks, but they are easier to use for drilling than a notched piece of 2x4.

And the misc goodies with the surface gauge sorta fit together with other goodies I've got. You may not want to build a race car engine with them, but for woodworking, they fit closer enough for my skill level.

They do occasionally get pushed into more precise work like finding a bent shaft, but finding and fixing are two different skill sets, one of which I don't have.

It was just an example of how, what looks like a pile of old junk, could have value in just a single tool or two.

 

[2oolhound]

I'm on Vancouver Island. If I were closer I'd be on your doorstep trying to bring this stuff home. Us old boys who finally have gotten old mills and lathes are your target market. I'd cream my jeans just walking into my garage if it had those Kennedys full of tools in it.

Shipping and geography will definitely be obstacles.

 

[woody 73]

A sad story but just this week I ran into two very large taps, that easily go for $50.00 per tap. Mind you I had to soak them in evaporust and they came out looking brand new. My price was $2.00 for both of them. Sad to see nice tools go for such a low amount of money.

 

[RTM]

It was just an example of how, what looks like a pile of old junk, could have value in just a single tool or two.

My reply was aimed at: Other people use machinist tools too, and don't necessarily need the pristine versions that a real machinist would need, which opens up the target market a little bit. May not increase the value to him, but if the right person is in need.

 

[2oolhound]

A sad story but just this week I ran into two very large taps, that easily go for $50.00 per tap. Mind you I had to soak them in evaporust and they came out looking brand new. My price was $2.00 for both of them. Sad to see nice tools go for such a low amount of money.

I hear what you are saying Woody but isn't it nice, that last glimpse into your wallet as you are closing it after making the deal and seeing all those larger bills still in there.

 

[Jgaz]

For a very honest, professional opinion on possible worth contact Josh at the address below
https://hyperkitten.com/

About six years ago he helped me sell (on consignment) a number of machinist tools. I received more, even after his cut, than even possible offers I got here in Phoenix.
Keep in mind that I was selling sets, complete, clean, in original cases.

Take a look at Josh’s current tools for sale and you’ll see just how little a Starrett 0 to 1” mic will bring.
Crazy!

Your cutting tools, drills etc. are honestly almost worthless as a money maker. They do have value, but you need the right person.
I have bought a cigar box half full of counterbores, some brand new, for $5. Old drill bits, much less.

Hate to ruin your day but to make much $ you’ve got your work cut out for you.

Edit: Hard to tell from your pics but your dividers, and calipers might be worth around $25 to $30 on Josh’s site if there are from a good manufacturer. I just bought a pair of 2” starrett dividers, excellent shape for $22 shipped

 

[RTM]

Josh is a good guy, knows his stuff, has a great network of customers.

 

[machinist tool sale]

Thank you so much to all of you who chimed in. I completely understand things change and so likely very little value, in any, in some/most items. But couldn’t bear just tossing without checking.

Will check out places that have been suggested.

Agreed. Value in them just being my Grandfather’s who came over with just $1.25 after the war and built an incredible business from the knowledge he brought. Will have to find an item or two to keep just for keepsake.

Thank you again!

 

[machinist tool sale]

I'm on Vancouver Island. If I were closer I'd be on your doorstep trying to bring this stuff home. Us old boys who finally have gotten old mills and lathes are your target market. I'd cream my jeans just walking into my garage if it had those Kennedys full of tools in it.

Shipping and geography will definitely be obstacles.

That is too bad! Would have been pleased with having it go to someone who could continue on with using them. A company just sold his old lathe and mill

 

[machinist tool sale]

some of the tools should match up with a machine tool. Selling those WITH the tool will increase value of the machine, but to sell this stuff off individually would be a massive amount of work and minimal amount of money. Might be best to find someone with a home shop and make an "all or nothing" deal if you really want to get rid of it.

Darn machines (lathe, mull etc) were sold by a company that didn’t do us much good.

Been in machining 45 years, things have changed over the years. It was once expected that all machinist have their own set of precision measuring instruments, required to verify dimensional accuracy and maintain the various calibration standards as a job requirement. Nowadays, most 'quality control' requirements dictate that dimensional measuring devices are maintained, calibrated, 'standardized' and controlled by a defined QC Department: All inspection to be done with the 'master' instruments. Most shops don't even allow employees to have their own set of micrometers, calipers and gauges..etc.
What this has done is really decrease the resale value of these measuring instruments. Pawn shops won't even show an interest.
I've got two full roll-away stacks full of expensive tools that have brought very little interest in their worth: Basically became expendable.

Now cutting tools (drills, taps, end mills, inserts etc) may bring value if they're carbide or carbide tipped. HSS (high speed steel) cutting tools are not of much value, especially if dull.
The real value you have there, is that they are your Grandfather's tools; even possibly one's Great Grandfather's tools.

thanks so much. Agreed, I will have to keep a piece for keepsake. That’s where the value is. He came over after the war with nothing in hand and started a very successful large business with the skills he learned. Thanks for your time!